The desire to appear youthful as long as possible has led to a burst in the popularity of non-invasive cosmetic procedures that offer solutions to tackle wrinkles and fine lines. Two notable contenders in this arena are Dysport and Botox, both praised for their ability to minimize the visible signs of aging and rejuvenate the face to deliver a younger-looking appearance.
Botox has been around for a significant amount of time, and most people are aware of its efficacy. Dysport is a newer product that offers very much the same results as Botox. We often receive questions from our patients about how Dysport compares to Botox, so we are going to address them today in this article.
How Long Does It Take For Dysport To Work?
Dysport is an injectable derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and operates similarly to Botox by temporarily paralyzing the muscles responsible for wrinkles.
Botox is the brand name for onabotulinumtoxinA (ONA), which is a specific type A botulinum toxin. Dysport is a brand name for a type A botulinum toxin known as abobotulinumtoxinA (ABO). Botox was approved for cosmetic use in 2002, while Dysport received approval in 2009.
They both work by stopping nerve signals from getting to the muscles, but they are processed in different ways, and the proteins that are made as a result give them different strengths, which affects how fast they work and their longevity.
Dysport usually starts working in about 24 hours, which is faster than Botox, which takes twice as long. Most people start seeing improvements within a few days after getting the injection, and the best results usually show up within a week to ten days. Dysport works a bit more quickly because it has a smaller molecular weight than Botox, so it spreads more broadly across the area being treated.
Are The Results Different With Dysport Than With Botox?
While both Dysport and Botox offer remarkable results in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, subtle differences can sway individual preferences.
The broader distribution of Dysport makes it an excellent choice for treating larger areas like the forehead. The lighter diffusion can result in a more natural appearance, avoiding a “frozen” look. However, some patients might require more units of Dysport to achieve the same effect as Botox due to its lighter formulation.
Botox’s slightly delayed onset can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a gradual transformation, and its larger molecular structure helps keep it within the exact area where it is injected, making it an optimal choice for treating smaller, precise areas. Due to its higher concentration of active molecules, it usually requires fewer units compared to Dysport to achieve similar results.
How Long Does Dysport Last Compared To Botox?
Both Dysport and Botox offer temporary results, with their effects typically lasting around 3–6 months. There are many variables that influence how long the effects of Dysport or Botox will last, including the person’s unique metabolism, the treatment area, the volume injected, and the level of muscle activity in that area.
In regions where muscles are highly active due to frequent movements, such as around the eyes or mouth, the effects may wear off more quickly, but for those of you who wondered how long Dysport would last in the forehead, you will be happy to know that due to less muscle movement, the benefits to this area should last an extended period of time. After you receive Dysport or Botox injections a few times, you will begin to understand how often you will need maintenance injections and which areas will need them first. The forehead is generally one of the last places to need a touch-up. Regular maintenance sessions are necessary to sustain the desired results.
How Much Dysport Will I Need?
The volume of the injection needed depends on which area of the face is being treated. A larger volume of Dysport is required to do the same job as Botox; in fact, the ratio is almost 2:1.
For example, to relax frown lines between the brows, 20–30 units of Botox are normally required, whereas 60 units of Dysport would be needed. Forehead lines would take 10–15 units of Botox, compared to 30–60 units of Dysport.
Which Do I Choose: Dysport Or Botox?
The choice between Dysport and Botox ultimately boils down to individual preferences, treatment goals, and the advice of a qualified medical professional. Dysport’s quicker onset can be enticing for those seeking rapid results, while Botox’s more localized approach might appeal to those who need more targeted treatment.
Dysport has been reported to yield faster results for some individuals, with a noticeable reduction in wrinkles observed within 2–3 days. The results of Botox typically become noticeable after approximately one week, while both injectables reach their maximum effectiveness at around two weeks. Both Dysport and Botox typically provide results that last for approximately 3–5 months.
A unit of Botox is approximately two and a half times more potent than a unit of Dysport, so you will need a higher dosage compared to Botox in order to achieve similar results. You will spend around the same amount of money to get comparable results because a unit of Dysport costs less than a unit of Botox.
Both Dysport and Botox offer effective solutions to combat the signs of aging, but if it is challenging to choose which is best for you, speaking with a qualified cosmetic injector would be advisable. They can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your circumstances and expectations.
At SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics, we understand the quest for timeless beauty and the desire for youthful facial features. Our experts can discuss the injectable options with you in detail and answer any questions you might have. If you have tried Botox before, you may want to try Dysport so you can do your own comparison and see which works better for you.
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